iSkin made the iSkin Vu for iPad and it was a popular case. They have just released a new version that fits the iPad 2, the iSkin Vu for iPad 2, which looks sleeker than the last gen case. The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 is a plastic case that covers the back of the iPad 2 and has a built-in plastic stand that can prop up your iPad 2 in either portrait or landscape orientation. The new iSkin Vu for iPad 2 case covers less of the front bezel around the screen, and protects all ports with covers except the cameras, mic and speaker grill. As with the iSkin Vu for iPad, the iSkin Vu for iPad 2 comes in multiple colors. Currently you can choose from three colors: Onyx (black), Bondi (marine blue) and Vive (Purple).

Design

The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 case is made of hybrid plastic (combining TPU and polycarbonate) that?s sturdy and durable. The center of the case is hard plastic that can protect the iPad 2 from pokes, scratches and bumps in a backpack or large bag stuffed with other gear. The outer edges are softer plastic that make the cutout easier to use and easier to put the case on or take it off. The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 is very form fitting, if you have trouble putting the case on, take a look at the User Guide online and follow the instructions on how to put it on. The case has very similar lines on the back to the iSkin solo Smart for iPad 2 case, but this design fits the iSkin Vu for iPad 2 better. One thing odd about the iSkin solo Smart case was that the speaker grill was 2/3 of way open, but with the iSkin Vu for iPad 2 case it makes sense: flip open the stand, the entire speaker grill is open now.

The new iSkin Vu for iPad 2 case covers the edges of the front bezel except on the bottom where the case covers the entire bezel. The wrap-around edge cover is actually quite thick, which certainlt will protect the iPad 2?s display should you put it face down on a table. The interior of the case is very soft and won?t scratch the tablet?s surface when you put it on or take it off. The plastic case has embossed pattern on the hard plastic piece and the front bezel cover. And as with the iSkin solo Smart for iPad 2, the iSkin Vu for iPad 2 also has Microban antimicrobial protection build-in which helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can discolor the plastic case.

Features

The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 has perfect cutouts for the audio out jack, screen lock button and the 30-pin connector port, but all these have port covers which is handy for blocking dust or sand if you are taking your tablet to the beach or outdoor environment. Other buttons including the power button and volume buttons don?t have cutouts but are under specially designed covers, and they are easy to use. The cutouts for the mic, the rear camera and the speaker grill are open to let the sight and sound through. As the case doesn?t come close to the front facing camera, it?s exposed for easy access. The Home button is also under a cover but easy to use as well.

The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 has a built-in hard plastic stand that?s steady when holding up the tablet in either portrait or landscape orientation. The stand works like a picture frame stand: you can fold it back to the case when not using it, and pop it out when you need it. The stand itself is sturdy but the small hinges that connect the stand to the case seems vulnerable, so be careful when handling it. You can position the stand in many viewing angles in portrait mode (up to 45-degrees), but only one viewing angle for landscape mode. The stand has rubber feet that prevent it from slipping on a smooth surface, and you can get additional pieces should they wear out. They come with adhesive pieces to install on the bottom of the stand.

Conclusion

There is a lot to like about this case: it?s light and pretty slim yet has strong protection for the iPad 2 (minus the display) and ports are under covers which is a great feature for beachgoers or outdoor activities. The iSkin Vu for iPad 2 case is very form fitting, and is sturdy and durable. The built-in stand is handy for both viewing multimedia content and using with a keyboard in either orientation. The only concern we have is the hinges for the stand: they are a bit thin, so handle with care.